Differences and Similarities between the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky.

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Cairn Terrier Versus Pomsky: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Cairn Terrier and for the Pomsky. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Cairn Terrier or the Pomsky.

Cairn Terrier versus Pomsky: Overview

A very important difference between the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cairn Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Pomsky is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Cairn Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Pomsky belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Cairn Terrier versus Pomsky: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cairn Terrier to the Pomsky based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky

Factor Cairn Terrier Pomsky
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 13 to 14 pounds 7 to 38 pounds
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 15 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1600 $2270
Price Range $1475 – $1750 $1500 – $2995
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GCL)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cairn Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Pomsky. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Cairn Terrier is 86 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Pomsky is 76 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cairn Terrier is a better pet than the Pomsky. So, you should get the Cairn Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky

    Below is a list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky are most different:

  • Cairn Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Pomskys do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom. However, Pomskys require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky

    The Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky are most similar:

  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky are not easy to train.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Pomsky

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky.

    Cairn Terriers weigh 13 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Cairn Terriers are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Pomskys weigh 7 to 38 pounds when fully grown. Pomskys are 10 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Cairn Terrier versus Pomsky

    The lifespan of Cairn Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cairn Terriers is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Pomskys is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pomskys is 13.5 years.

    Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Pomsky

    The average price of the Cairn Terrier puppy is $1600. The price of the Cairn Terrier typically ranges from $1475 – $1750. However, the price of a Cairn Terrier can be as low as $650 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 132 Cairn Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Pomsky puppy is $2270. The price of the Pomsky typically ranges from $1500 – $2995. However, the price of the Pomsky can be as low as $500 and as high as $7000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 823 Pomsky puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Pomsky is more expensive than the Cairn Terrier.

    Cairn Terrier Pomsky
    Average Price $1600 $2270
    Price Range $1475 to $1750 $1500 to $2995

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Cairn Terrier and Pomsky. For different price points, the charts show how many Cairn Terrier puppies or how many Pomsky puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cairn Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cairn Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Pomskys

    A breakdown of the prices of Pomskys

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cairn Terrier puppy or the Pomsky puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Adopting the Cairn Terrier versus Adopting the Pomsky

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cairn Terriers and many Pomskys are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Cairn Terrier named Asher that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cairn Terriers like Asher on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Cairn Terriers, Pomskys are also available for adoption. For example, Starsky is a Male Pomsky that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Pomskys like Starsky that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Toto is the name of another Cairn Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Hutch is an adorable Male Pomsky on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Cairn Terriers and Pomskys are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Cairn Terriers and Pomskys that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Pomsky

    Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Pomskys do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Pomskys?

    Cairn Terriers shed moderately.

    Pomskys shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Pomsky

    Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pomskys do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Pomsky?

    Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Pomskys require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pomsky?

    Cairn Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Pomskys have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Pomskys?

    Cairn Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Pomskys are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pomskys Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pomskys can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Pomsky

    Cairn Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Pomskys do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pomskys Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Pomskys can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cairn Terrier or the Pomsky?

    Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Pomskys get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Pomskys?

    Cairn Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Pomskys are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Pomskys?

    Cairn Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Pomskys do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Pomsky?

    Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.

    Pomskys are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Cairn Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Pomsky?

    Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Pomskys adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cairn Terrier or the Pomsky?

    Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Pomskys are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cairn Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Cairn Terrier:

  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (81 percent match with Cairn Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Pomsky vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pomsky

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pomsky that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Pomsky:

  • Pomeranian (78 percent match with Pomsky). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Pomeranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Cairn Terrier and how the Pomsky compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cairn Terrier and of the Pomsky to other breeds:

    Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cairn Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Australian Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Cairn Terrier versus Morkie     Cairn Terrier versus Greyhound     Cairn Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle     Cairn Terrier versus Border Collie     Cairn Terrier versus Stabyhoun     Cairn Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Cairn Terrier versus Plott     Cairn Terrier versus Havanese     Cairn Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Pekingese     Cairn Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog     Cairn Terrier versus Samoyed     Cairn Terrier versus Welsh Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Cairn Terrier versus Bolognese     Cairn Terrier versus Skye Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Dutch Shepherd     Cairn Terrier versus Pyredoodle     Cairn Terrier versus Australian Shepherd     

    Pomsky Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pomsky versus Aussiedoodle     Pomsky versus Pomeranian     Pomsky versus Pharaoh Hound     Pomsky versus Xoloitzcuintli     Pomsky versus Dogo Argentino     Pomsky versus Alaskan Malamute     Pomsky versus Standard Poodle     Pomsky versus Lancashire Heeler     Pomsky versus Whoodle     Pomsky versus Bouvier des Flandres     Pomsky versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Pomsky versus Shiloh Shepherd     Pomsky versus Coton de Tulear     Pomsky versus Golden Retriever     Pomsky versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Pomsky versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Pomsky versus Shiba Inu     Pomsky versus Greyhound     Pomsky versus Mudi     Pomsky versus English Springer Spaniel     Pomsky versus Lowchen     Pomsky versus Pekingese     Pomsky versus Norwich Terrier     Pomsky versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Pomsky versus Maltipoo     

    Conclusion: Cairn Terrier versus Pomsky. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Cairn Terrier and the Pomsky better suits you and your family.